Looking to get out of Johannesburg? MotorHappy shares what locals have voted as their top road trip destinations from Johannesburg.
If you want to know about a country’s hidden gem destinations and old-school favourites, ask the locals. Which is why, when MotorHappy decided to create the ultimate road trip route around South Africa, they turned to South Africans.
“We’re one month into the project and we’re excited to watch some of South Africa’s best road trip routes taking shape on our community-sources online map,” says Barend Smit, Marketing Director of MotorHappy, a subsidiary of Imperial, referring to the Ultimate Journey road trip map which is being built through votes and submissions from the South African public. To help create South Africa’s best road trip route, visit the Ultimate Journey website (www.ultimatejourney.co.za) and add a destination to the map or vote for destinations already added to the map. Participants stand the chance of winning a R50 000 road trip, driven in a new Kia Sportage.
If you’re looking to explore the area around Johannesburg, three of the top road trips have already emerged, as voted for by South Africans. “The submissions make it clear that people are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life,” observes Smit.
The top three road trips from Johannesburg are as follows:
- Mountain Sanctuary Park - 120 km west of Johannesburg, nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains, lies the spectacular Mountain Sanctuary Park. There are numerous walking trails – choose anything between a 15 minute walk or an eight hour walk – that lead to various points of a mountain stream. Make this a day-trip or stay overnight in the campsite, chalets or log cabins. Visit https://mountain-sanctuary.co.za/ or call 014 534 0114 for more information.
- Parys – Known as South Africa’s gateway to adventure, river rafting and water sports, this Free State town is just over an hour’s drive from Johannesburg. If you’re not looking for an adrenaline-fulled holiday, take a stroll down the famous Water and Bree Street to browse the various art galleries, gift shops and arts and craft stores. End off the day with sundowners at The River Deck Bar, aka Die Plek.
- Pilansberg Nature Reserve - If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a three-hour drive to Pilansberg Nature Reserve will get you in the same vicinity as the Big Five. Stay overnight in a selection of standard and luxury accommodation, including a number of campsites. Book a game drive, or self drive…or get out of your car and into the air with a hot air balloon ride over the reserve. Visit http://www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org/ to book.
Other well-known destinations within a short drive from Johannesburg that have been added to the Ultimate Journey website are Hartebeesport Dam, Sun City Resort and Cradle of Humankind.
Also read: Top five road trip destinations for the best photos
“The destinations with the most votes will form part of South Africa’s inaugural Ultimate Journey, the best road trip route of 2017,” explains Smit. “However, our website also serves as a tool to create mini-road trips, using votes and submissions from South Africans. If you’re in Durban, Port Elizabeth or any other place in South Africa, visit the Ultimate Journey website to discover the best place to visit in your are.”
